Communication method, communication device, communication system, storage medium and computer program product

Abstract

Provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure are an information processing method, a communication device, a communication system, a storage medium and a computer program product. The information processing method is executed by a terminal, and comprises: on the basis of first information, executing a path handover, wherein the first information is used for indicating a handover condition. The handover condition comprises at least one of the following: a first condition, which involves detecting a service data packet; a second condition, which involves at least one of the volume of transmitted data and the number of established session connections being greater than or equal to a corresponding threshold value; and a third condition, which involves the value of the quality of service (QOS) of the currently used path not being within a first range. The path is used for transmitting service data, and is one of the following: a first path, which is a path for transmitting data on the basis of a first access network; and a second path, which is a path for transmitting data on the basis of a second access network. The embodiments of the present disclosure can make a communication mechanism capable of adapting to communication into which a satellite has been introduced.

Description

Communication methods, communication equipment, communication systems, storage media and computer program products Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method, communication device, communication system, storage medium, and computer program product. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of communication technology, satellite communication has been introduced, with different types of satellites operating at different orbital altitudes. A multi-orbit satellite access system is a network that provides services through satellite access networks operating in different orbits. Each orbital altitude within the satellite network brings unique communication effects to the entire communication system.

[0003] Summary of the Invention

[0004] With the introduction of satellite communication, the communication mechanism needs to be adjusted.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the embodiments of this disclosure, a communication method is provided, the method being executed by a terminal, the method comprising:

[0006] Based on the initial information, the execution path is switched;

[0007] The first information is used to indicate switching conditions, and the switching conditions include at least one of the following:

[0008] The first condition is: a service data packet is detected;

[0009] The second condition is that at least one of the data transmission volume and the number of established session connections is greater than or equal to the corresponding threshold.

[0010] The third condition is: the Quality of Service (QoS) value of the currently used path is not within the first range;

[0011] The path is used to transmit service data, and the path is one of the following:

[0012] The first path is the path for transmitting data based on the first access network;

[0013] The second path is the path for transmitting data based on the second access network.

[0014] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, the method being performed by a first network device, the method comprising:

[0015] Send the first information to the terminal and / or the second network device;

[0016] The first information is used to indicate switching conditions, and the switching conditions include at least one of the following:

[0017] The first condition is: a service data packet is detected;

[0018] The second condition is that at least one of the data transmission volume and the number of established session connections is greater than or equal to the corresponding threshold.

[0019] The third condition is: the Quality of Service (QoS) value of the currently used path is not within the first range;

[0020] The first information is used to enable the terminal to switch paths; the path is used to transmit service data, and the path is one of the following:

[0021] The first path is the path for transmitting data based on the first access network;

[0022] The second path is the path for transmitting data based on the second access network.

[0023] According to a third aspect of the embodiments of this disclosure, a communication method is provided, the method comprising:

[0024] The first network device sends first information to at least one of the terminal and the second network device;

[0025] The first information is used to indicate switching conditions, and the switching conditions include at least one of the following:

[0026] The first condition is: a service data packet is detected;

[0027] The second condition is that at least one of the data transmission volume and the number of established session connections is greater than or equal to the corresponding threshold.

[0028] The third condition is: the Quality of Service (QoS) value of the currently used path is not within the first range;

[0029] The first information is used to enable the terminal to switch paths; the path is used to transmit service data, and the path is one of the following:

[0030] The first path is the path for transmitting data based on the first access network;

[0031] The second path is the path for transmitting data based on the second access network.

[0032] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a communication device is provided for performing the communication method described in the first or second aspect.

[0033] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, a communication system is provided, comprising: a terminal and a first network device; wherein the terminal is configured to perform the method described in the optional implementation of the first aspect, and the first network device is configured to perform the method described in the optional implementation of the second aspect.

[0034] According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, a storage medium is provided that stores instructions which, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the method described in the first aspect, the second aspect, or an optional implementation of the first and second aspects.

[0035] According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, a computer program product is provided, the computer program product including a computer program or instructions, which, when executed by a processor, implement the method as described in the first aspect, the second aspect, or an optional implementation of the first and second aspects.

[0036] The embodiments disclosed herein enable the communication mechanism to adapt to communication after the introduction of satellites. Attached Figure Description

[0037] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings required for the description of the embodiments are introduced below. The following drawings are only some embodiments of this disclosure and do not impose specific limitations on the protection scope of this disclosure.

[0038] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of the structure of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 1B is a schematic diagram of a communication architecture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 2 is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 3A is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] Figure 4A is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] Figure 4B is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] Figure 5A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] Figure 5B is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first network device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] Figure 6A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] Figure 6B is a schematic diagram of the structure of a chip provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0048] This disclosure provides a communication method, communication device, communication system, storage medium, and computer program product.

[0049] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method, the method being executed by a terminal, the method comprising:

[0050] Based on the initial information, the execution path is switched;

[0051] The first information is used to indicate switching conditions, and the switching conditions include at least one of the following:

[0052] The first condition is: a service data packet is detected;

[0053] The second condition is that at least one of the data transmission volume and the number of established session connections is greater than or equal to the corresponding threshold.

[0054] The third condition is: the Quality of Service (QoS) value of the currently used path is not within the first range;

[0055] The path is used to transmit service data, and the path is one of the following:

[0056] The first path is the path for transmitting data based on the first access network;

[0057] The second path is the path for transmitting data based on the second access network.

[0058] In the above embodiments, the terminal can perform path switching based on the switching conditions indicated by the first information, thereby flexibly initiating path switching based on the switching conditions, so that the path used to transmit service data can adapt to the network operation, thereby making the transmission of services more efficient and reliable.

[0059] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first access network is a radio access network using geostationary orbit satellites (GEO-RAN); and the second access network is a radio access network using non-geostationary orbit satellites (NGSO-RAN).

[0060] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the switching of the execution path based on the first information includes one of the following:

[0061] During the transmission of business data, the path is switched based on the first piece of information;

[0062] Before the transmission of business data begins, the path is switched based on the initial information.

[0063] In the above embodiments, the switching of the execution path based on the first information can be performed during different business transmission processes, reusing existing processes, making the application scenarios more flexible and efficient.

[0064] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the switching of the execution path includes:

[0065] Switch from the first path to the second path;

[0066] The first access network is at least one of the following:

[0067] The network that the terminal connects to by default;

[0068] The network already in use by the terminal.

[0069] In the above embodiments, the network can be switched from the first path corresponding to the network that the terminal is connected to by default and / or the network that is already in use to the second path.

[0070] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the switching of the execution path based on the first information includes:

[0071] When the switching condition is met, the path is switched from the first path to the second path.

[0072] In the above embodiments, when the switching conditions are met, the path can be switched from the first path to the second path in a timely manner.

[0073] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0074] If the switching conditions are not met, service data is transmitted based on the first path.

[0075] In the above embodiments, even if the switching conditions are not met, service data will still be transmitted based on the first path.

[0076] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0077] Receive the first information sent by the first network device.

[0078] In the above embodiments, the first information can be received from the first network device to perform a switch according to the needs of the network side.

[0079] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0080] Once the switching conditions are met, send the second information to the first network device;

[0081] The second piece of information is used to request a switch of execution paths.

[0082] In the above embodiments, the switching can be performed based on the terminal's request path when the switching conditions are met, making the implementation more flexible.

[0083] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0084] Receive third information sent by the first network device;

[0085] The third piece of information is used to indicate the use of the second path to transmit service data.

[0086] In the above embodiments, after the terminal requests a path switching, the terminal can be responded to in a timely manner with the third information to ensure reliable switching.

[0087] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the third information includes path information of the second path.

[0088] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0089] Establish or activate the first connection;

[0090] The first connection is the connection between the terminal and the second access network.

[0091] In the above embodiments, the first connection can be established or activated in a timely manner, and data transmission between the terminal and the second network can be realized based on the first connection.

[0092] In some embodiments, the first network device is one of the following: a function for access and mobility management; a function for session management; or a function for policy control.

[0093] Secondly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method, which is executed by a first network device, the method comprising:

[0094] Send the first information to at least one of the terminal and the second network device;

[0095] The first information is used to indicate switching conditions, and the switching conditions include at least one of the following:

[0096] The first condition is: a service data packet is detected;

[0097] The second condition is that at least one of the data transmission volume and the number of established session connections is greater than or equal to the corresponding threshold.

[0098] The third condition is: the Quality of Service (QoS) value of the currently used path is not within the first range;

[0099] The first information is used to enable the terminal to switch paths; the path is used to transmit service data, and the path is one of the following:

[0100] The first path is the path for transmitting data based on the first access network;

[0101] The second path is the path for transmitting data based on the second access network.

[0102] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first access network is a radio access network using geostationary orbit satellites (GEO-RAN); and the second access network is a radio access network using non-geostationary orbit satellites (NGSO-RAN).

[0103] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0104] Receive second information sent by at least one of the terminal and the second network device;

[0105] The second piece of information is used to request a switch of execution paths.

[0106] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0107] Whether to perform a path switch is determined based on at least one of the second information and the availability information;

[0108] The availability information is used to indicate whether the second access network is available or unavailable.

[0109] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0110] The availability information is determined based on at least one of the location of the terminal and the ephemeris information of the second access network.

[0111] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0112] Send third information to the terminal and / or the second network device;

[0113] The third piece of information is used to indicate the use of the second path to transmit service data.

[0114] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the third information includes path information of the second path.

[0115] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the second network device is one of the following: a session connection anchoring user plane function; an intermediate user plane function.

[0116] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first network device is one of the following: a function for access and mobility management; a function for session management; a function for policy control.

[0117] Thirdly, embodiments of this disclosure propose an information processing method, comprising: a first network device sending first information to at least one of a terminal and a second network device;

[0118] The first information is used to indicate switching conditions, and the switching conditions include at least one of the following:

[0119] The first condition is: a service data packet is detected;

[0120] The second condition is that at least one of the data transmission volume and the number of established session connections is greater than or equal to the corresponding threshold.

[0121] The third condition is: the Quality of Service (QoS) value of the currently used path is not within the first range;

[0122] The first information is used to enable the terminal to switch paths; the path is used to transmit service data, and the path is one of the following:

[0123] The first path is the path for transmitting data based on the first access network;

[0124] The second path is the path for transmitting data based on the second access network.

[0125] Fourthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a terminal, including: a transceiver module configured to perform path switching based on first information;

[0126] The first information is used to indicate switching conditions, and the switching conditions include at least one of the following:

[0127] The first condition is: a service data packet is detected;

[0128] The second condition is that at least one of the data transmission volume and the number of established session connections is greater than or equal to the corresponding threshold.

[0129] The third condition is: the Quality of Service (QoS) value of the currently used path is not within the first range;

[0130] The path is used to transmit service data, and the path is one of the following:

[0131] The first path is the path for transmitting data based on the first access network;

[0132] The second path is the path for transmitting data based on the second access network.

[0133] Fifthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a first network device, including: a transceiver module configured to send first information to a terminal and / or a second network device;

[0134] The first information is used to indicate switching conditions, and the switching conditions include at least one of the following:

[0135] The first condition is: a service data packet is detected;

[0136] The second condition is that at least one of the data transmission volume and the number of established session connections is greater than or equal to the corresponding threshold.

[0137] The third condition is: the Quality of Service (QoS) value of the currently used path is not within the first range;

[0138] The first information is used to enable the terminal to switch paths; the path is used to transmit service data, and the path is one of the following:

[0139] The first path is the path for transmitting data based on the first access network;

[0140] The second path is the path for transmitting data based on the second access network.

[0141] In a sixth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device including one or more processors; wherein the communication device is used to execute an implementation of the first aspect, the second aspect, or an optional implementation of the first and second aspects.

[0142] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device for performing an implementation of, as described in the first aspect, the second aspect, or an optional implementation of the first and second aspects.

[0143] Eighthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication system, including: a terminal and a first network device; wherein the terminal is configured to perform the method described in the optional implementation of the first aspect, and the first network device is configured to perform the method described in the optional implementation of the second aspect.

[0144] Ninthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the method described in the first aspect, the second aspect, or an optional implementation of the first and second aspects.

[0145] In a tenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a computer program product, which includes a computer program or instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement the method as described in the first aspect, the second aspect, or an optional implementation of the first and second aspects.

[0146] In one aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the communication method as described in the first aspect, the second aspect, or an optional implementation of the first and second aspects.

[0147] In a twelfth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a chip or chip system including processing circuitry configured to perform the methods described according to the first aspect, the second aspect, or alternative implementations of the first and second aspects.

[0148] It is understood that the aforementioned network devices (such as the first network device), communication systems, storage media, program products, computer programs, chips, or chip systems are all used to execute the methods provided in the embodiments of this disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects that can be achieved can be referred to the beneficial effects in the corresponding methods, and will not be repeated here.

[0149] This disclosure provides an information processing method, a communication device, a communication system, a storage medium, and a computer program product. In some embodiments, terms such as communication method and information processing method are interchangeable, as are terms such as information processing device and communication device, and terms such as information processing system and communication system.

[0150] This disclosure is not exhaustive, but merely illustrative of some embodiments, and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this disclosure. Unless otherwise specified, each step in a particular embodiment can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the steps can be arbitrarily combined. For example, a solution after removing some steps in a particular embodiment can also be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the order of the steps in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily interchanged. Furthermore, the optional implementation methods in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined; moreover, the embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, for example, some or all steps of different embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, and a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementation methods of other embodiments.

[0151] In each of the disclosed embodiments, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions of the embodiments are consistent and can be used interchangeably. Technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0152] The terminology used in the embodiments of this disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0153] In this embodiment of the disclosure, unless otherwise stated, elements expressed in the singular form, such as "a," "an," "the," "the," "the," "the," "the," "the," "this," etc., can mean "one and only one," or "one or more," "at least one," etc. For example, when using articles such as "a," "an," "the," etc. in translation, the noun following the article can be understood as either a singular expression or a plural expression.

[0154] In the embodiments disclosed herein, "multiple" refers to two or more.

[0155] In some embodiments, the terms “at least one of”, “one or more”, “a plurality of”, “multiple”, etc., may be used interchangeably.

[0156] In some embodiments, the notation "at least one of A and B", "A and / or B", "A in one case, B in another", "in response to one case A, in response to another case B", etc., may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execute A regardless of B); in some embodiments, B (execute B regardless of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed); in some embodiments, A and B (both A and B are executed). The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0157] In some embodiments, the notation "A or B" may include the following technical solutions, depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execute A regardless of B); in some embodiments, B (execute B regardless of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed). The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0158] The prefixes "first," "second," etc., used in the embodiments of this disclosure are merely for distinguishing different descriptive objects and do not impose restrictions on the position, order, priority, quantity, or content of the descriptive objects. The description of the descriptive objects is found in the claims or the context of the embodiments, and the use of prefixes should not constitute unnecessary restrictions. For example, if the descriptive object is a "field," the ordinal numbers preceding "field" in "first field" and "second field" do not restrict the position or order of the "fields." "First" and "second" do not restrict whether the "fields" they modify are in the same message, nor do they restrict the order of "first field" and "second field." Similarly, if the descriptive object is a "level," the ordinal numbers preceding "level" in "first level" and "second level" do not restrict the priority between "levels." Furthermore, the number of descriptive objects is not limited by ordinal numbers and can be one or more. For example, in "first device," the number of "devices" can be one or more. Furthermore, the objects modified by different prefixes can be the same or different. For example, if the object being described is "device", then "first device" and "second device" can be the same device or different devices, and their types can be the same or different. Similarly, if the object being described is "information", then "first information" and "second information" can be the same information or different information, and their content can be the same or different.

[0159] In some embodiments, “including A,” “containing A,” “for indicating A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0160] In some embodiments, terms such as "time / frequency" and "time-frequency domain" refer to the time domain and / or frequency domain.

[0161] In some embodiments, the terms “in response to…”, “in response to determining…”, “in the case of…”, “when…”, “if…”, “if…”, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0162] In some embodiments, the terms “greater than,” “greater than or equal to,” “not less than,” “more than,” “more than or equal to,” “not less than,” “higher than,” “higher than or equal to,” “not lower than,” and “above” can be used interchangeably, as can the terms “less than,” “less than or equal to,” “not greater than,” “less than,” “less than or equal to,” “not more than,” “lower than,” “lower than or equal to,” “not higher than,” and “below”.

[0163] In some embodiments, devices, etc., can be interpreted as physical or virtual, and their names are not limited to the names recorded in the embodiments. Terms such as “device”, “equipment”, “circuit”, “network element”, “node”, “function”, “unit”, “section”, “system”, “network”, “chip”, “chip system”, “entity”, and “subject” can be used interchangeably.

[0164] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in a network (e.g., access network devices, core network devices, etc.).

[0165] In some embodiments, the terms "access network device (AN device)," "radio access network device (RAN device)," "base station (BS)," "radio base station," "fixed station," "node," "access point," "transmission point (TP)," "reception point (RP)," "transmission / reception point (TRP)," "panel," "antenna panel," "antenna array," "cell," "macro cell," "small cell," "femto cell," "pico cell," "sector," "cell group," "carrier," "component carrier," and "bandwidth part (BWP)" can be used interchangeably.

[0166] In some embodiments, the terms "terminal", "terminal device", "user equipment (UE)", "user terminal", "mobile station (MS)", "mobile terminal (MT)", "subscriber station", "mobile unit", "subscriber unit", "wireless unit", "remote unit", "mobile device", "wireless device", "wireless communication device", "remote device", "mobile subscriber station", "access terminal", "mobile terminal", "wireless terminal", "remote terminal", "handset", "user agent", "mobile client", and "client" can be used interchangeably.

[0167] In some embodiments, access network devices, core network devices, or network devices can be replaced by terminals. For example, embodiments of this disclosure can also be applied to structures that replace communication between access network devices, core network devices, or network devices and terminals with communication between multiple terminals (e.g., also referred to as device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), etc.). In this case, the structure can also be configured such that the terminal has all or part of the functions of the access network device. Furthermore, terms such as "uplink" and "downlink" can be replaced with terms corresponding to communication between terminals (e.g., "sidelink"). For example, uplink channel, downlink channel, etc., can be replaced with sidelink channel, uplink link, downlink link, etc., can be replaced with sidelink link.

[0168] In some embodiments, the terminal may be replaced by an access network device, a core network device, or a network device. In this case, the access network device, core network device, or network device may also be configured to have all or some of the functions of the terminal.

[0169] In some embodiments, the acquisition of data, information, etc., may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the location is situated.

[0170] In some embodiments, data, information, etc., may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0171] Furthermore, each element, each row, or each column in the table of this disclosure can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and any combination of any element, any row, or any column can also be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0172] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of the structure of an information processing system 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0173] As shown in Figure 1A, the information processing system 100 may include: terminal 101 and network device 102.

[0174] In some embodiments, network device 102 may include at least one of an access network device and a core network device.

[0175] In some embodiments, terminal 101 includes, for example, at least one of the following: mobile phone, wearable device, Internet of Things (IoT) device or terminal, car with communication function, smart car, tablet computer, computer with wireless transceiver function, virtual reality (VR) terminal device, augmented reality (AR) terminal device, wireless terminal device in industrial control, wireless terminal device in self-driving, wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, wireless terminal device in smart grid, wireless terminal device in transportation safety, wireless terminal device in smart city, and wireless terminal device in smart home, but is not limited thereto.

[0176] In some embodiments, the access network device is, for example, a node or device that connects a terminal to a wireless network. The access network device may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the following in a 5G communication system: evolved Node B (eNB), next-generation eNB (ng-eNB), next-generation Node B (gNB), node B (NB), home node B (HNB), home evolved node B (HeNB), radio backhaul device, radio network controller (RNC), base station controller (BSC), base transceiver station (BTS), base band unit (BBU), mobile switching center, base station in a 6G communication system, open RAN, cloud RAN, base station in other communication systems, and access node in a wireless fidelity (WiFi) system.

[0177] In some embodiments, the technical solutions of this disclosure can be applied to the Open RAN architecture. In this case, the interfaces between or within access network devices involved in the embodiments of this disclosure can be transformed into internal interfaces of Open RAN. The processes and information interactions between these internal interfaces can be implemented by software or programs.

[0178] In some embodiments, the access network device may be composed of a central unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU). The CU may also be called a control unit. The CU-DU structure can separate the protocol layer of the access network device. Some of the protocol layer functions are centrally controlled by the CU, while the remaining part or all of the protocol layer functions are distributed in the DU and centrally controlled by the CU. However, this is not the only possibility.

[0179] In some embodiments, the core network equipment may be a single device, including a first network element and a second network element, or it may be multiple devices or a group of devices, each including all or part of the aforementioned first network element and / or second network element. The first network element and / or second network element may be virtual or physical. The core network may include, for example, at least one of the following: Evolved Packet Core (EPC), 5G Core Network (5GCN), Next Generation Core (NGC), and 6G Core Network (6GCN).

[0180] In some embodiments, the first network element may be any function, network element, or entity in the core network that can be used for registration, connection, and / or mobility management.

[0181] In some embodiments, the name of the first network element is not limited, and it may be, for example, the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF).

[0182] It is understood that the information processing system described in the embodiments of this disclosure is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this disclosure. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this disclosure are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0183] The following embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to the information processing system 100 shown in FIG1A, or some of its components, but are not limited thereto. The components shown in FIG1A are illustrative. The information processing system may include all or some of the components in FIG1A, or may include other components outside of FIG1A. The number and form of each component are arbitrary. The connection relationship between the components is illustrative. The components may be unconnected or connected. The connection can be in any way, either direct or indirect, wired or wireless.

[0184] The embodiments disclosed herein can be applied to Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), LTE-Beyond (LTE-B), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4th generation mobile communication system (4G), 5th generation mobile communication system (5G), 6th generation mobile communication system (6G), 5G New Radio (NR), Future Radio Access (FRA), New-Radio Access Technology (RAT), New Radio (NR), New Radio access (NX), Future generation radio access (FX), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM), CDMA2000, Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), and IEEE 802.20, Ultra-Wideband (UWB), Bluetooth (a registered trademark), Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) networks, Device-to-Device (D2D) systems, Machine-to-Machine (M2M) systems, Internet of Things (IoT) systems, Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) systems, systems utilizing other communication methods, and next-generation systems built upon them, etc. Furthermore, multiple systems can be combined (e.g., LTE or LTE-A combined with 5G, 5G combined with 5G, 5G combined with 6G, etc.) for application.

[0185] In some embodiments, different types of satellites exist at different orbital altitudes, such as geostationary orbit (GEO) satellites at approximately 36,000 km above Earth, medium Earth orbit (MEO) satellites at 5,000 to 20,000 km above Earth, and low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites at 500 to 1,500 km above Earth. These differences in satellite altitude result in different performance characteristics. For example, GEO satellites can provide large-area continuous coverage with fewer satellite switches, while LEO satellites can support services requiring low latency.

[0186] In some embodiments, a multi-orbit satellite access system is a network of services provided by satellites operating in different orbits. Each orbital altitude in the satellite network offers unique benefits to the entire ecosystem. With the surge in global connectivity demand, multi-orbit satellite solutions offer tremendous opportunities to supplement global coverage with terrestrial networks and allow mobile network operators to deploy hybrid solutions (using GEO and non-geosynchronous orbit NGSO satellites) for ubiquitous coverage and higher capacity.

[0187] In some embodiments, the greatest challenge for satellite networks lies in the fact that satellites operate in a power-limited environment in space, relying on solar panels to generate and store electrical energy to power their equipment. In particular, NGSO (LEO & MEO) satellites limit the size and capacity of their solar panels and batteries, making them more compact compared to GEO satellites. Another aspect is that NGSO satellites are subject to atmospheric drag, requiring frequent orbital adjustments, which further consumes energy.

[0188] In some embodiments, NGSO satellites, due to their proximity to Earth, can provide higher capacity and lower latency compared to GEO satellites, playing a crucial role in providing connectivity with ships, aircraft, offshore platforms, and remote islands.

[0189] In some embodiments, a 5G system with multi-orbit satellite access should leverage the advantages of each orbit to ensure optimal energy and resource efficiency of the satellite access network. For example, to achieve resource efficiency, when the UE is active, it can connect to a GEO satellite and maintain the connection there. If the UE needs to transmit data, it can switch to LEO satellite access.

[0190] In some embodiments, many UEs are power-constrained and need to conserve power to extend battery life. In some cases, UEs receive (or must transmit) packets very infrequently. In these cases, it is wasteful for the UE to continuously maintain and establish synchronization with NGSO satellites that need to be tracked in the sky. GEO satellites can be very useful for these UEs. GEO can provide access to the UE. If the UE needs data transmission, it can switch to NGSO access.

[0191] In some embodiments, in order to save energy for the UE and satellite network (especially LEO and MEO), it is proposed that the UE use basic network services provided by GEO (such as network access or small data transmission services provided by GEO for the UE), and when the services provided by GEO network do not meet the service transmission requirements, the NGSO (LEO or MEO) provides network services for the UE.

[0192] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 1B, which illustrates a network architecture in which a UE can access the same Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) through satellite access networks of multiple orbit types. That is, the UE can access the PLMN through LEO, or through GEO or MEO. The UE can select the same or different Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) when accessing through LEO and the Access Management Function when accessing through GEO, but they can select the same Session Management Function (SMF) and User Plane Function (UPF).

[0193] It should be noted that the embodiments disclosed herein only describe the network configuration based on network functions, and the network architecture can be applied to 5G or 6G networks. As networks evolve, the network architecture can also be applied to other evolved networks, and this is not limited thereto.

[0194] Figure 2 is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2, the present disclosure relates to an information processing method used in an information processing system 100, the method comprising:

[0195] In step S2101, the first network device sends first information to at least one of the terminal and the second network device. In some embodiments, at least one of the terminal and the second network device receives the first information sent by the first network device.

[0196] In some embodiments, at least one of the terminal and the second network device obtains the first information specified by the protocol, in which case step S2101 can be omitted.

[0197] In some embodiments, at least one of the terminal and the second network device obtains the first information from the upper layer(s), in which case step S2101 can be omitted.

[0198] In some embodiments, the terminal or the second network device processes the information to obtain the first information, in which case step S2101 can be omitted.

[0199] In some embodiments, the terminal or the second network device autonomously implements the function indicated by the first information, or the above function is a default or default value, in which case step S2101 can be omitted.

[0200] In some embodiments, the first information is used to indicate the switching conditions for path switching.

[0201] It is understandable that the terminal can perform path switching based on the first information after receiving the first information.

[0202] In some embodiments, the first information may be network switching information or switching condition information.

[0203] In some embodiments, the switching conditions include at least one of the following:

[0204] The first condition is: a service data packet is detected;

[0205] The second condition is that at least one of the data transmission volume and the number of established session connections is greater than or equal to the corresponding threshold.

[0206] The third condition is that the Quality of Service (QoS) value of the currently used path is not within the first range.

[0207] In some embodiments, the second condition, where the data transmission volume is greater than or equal to the corresponding threshold, can be that the data transmission volume is greater than or equal to the first threshold. That is, the first threshold is the threshold corresponding to the data transmission volume.

[0208] In some embodiments, the second condition, where the number of established session connections is greater than or equal to a corresponding threshold, can be that the number of established session connections is greater than or equal to a second threshold. That is, the second threshold is the threshold corresponding to the number of established session connections.

[0209] In some embodiments, the second condition is at least one of the following: the amount of data transmitted is greater than or equal to the first threshold; the number of session connections established is greater than or equal to the second threshold.

[0210] In some embodiments, the second condition is that at least one of the following—data transfer volume, number of established session connections, and number of connected users—is greater than or equal to the corresponding threshold. It should be noted that this is not limited to data transfer volume, number of established session connections, and number of connected users.

[0211] In some embodiments, the first range is a predefined numerical range.

[0212] In some embodiments, the first range may be a numerical range configured by the network.

[0213] In some embodiments, the first range indicates the QoS range corresponding to the required service data transmission.

[0214] In some embodiments, the currently used path can be the path currently in use, such as the first path.

[0215] In some embodiments, a session connection may be a Packet Data Unit (PDU) session connection.

[0216] In some embodiments, QoS-related information may be bandwidth, latency, and / or packet loss rate.

[0217] In some embodiments, the path is used to transmit service data.

[0218] In some embodiments, the path is one of the following:

[0219] The first path is the path for transmitting data based on the first access network;

[0220] The second path is the path for transmitting data based on the second access network.

[0221] In some embodiments, the first access network is a Geostationary Orbit Radio Access Network (GEO-RAN) using geostationary orbit satellites, but it is not limited to this and can be any evolved access network.

[0222] In some embodiments, the second access network is a non-geostationary orbit satellite radio access network (NGSO-RAN), but it is not limited to this and can be any evolved access network.

[0223] In some embodiments, the first access network is a satellite access network; the second access network is a terrestrial cellular access network;

[0224] In some embodiments, the first access network is a terrestrial cellular access network; the second access network is a terrestrial cellular access network that is distinct from the first access network.

[0225] In some embodiments, NGSO-RAN includes at least one of LEO-RAN (Low Earth Orbit Radio Access Network) and MEO-RAN (Medium Earth Orbit Radio Access Network).

[0226] In some embodiments, the first network device is one of the following: functions for access and mobility management; functions for session management; and functions for policy control. It should be noted that the first network device may also be referred to as a first control network element.

[0227] For example, the first network device is an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), a Session Management Function (SMF), or a Policy Control Function (PCF).

[0228] In some embodiments, the second network device is one of the following: a session connection anchoring user plane function; or an intermediate user plane function.

[0229] For example, the second network device is either a Packet Data Unit Session Anchor User Plane Function (PSA-UPF) or an Intermediate User Plane Function (I-UPF).

[0230] In step S2102, the terminal sends the second information to the first network device.

[0231] In some embodiments, the first network device receives second information sent by the terminal, but is not limited thereto.

[0232] In some embodiments, the first network device obtains the second information specified by the protocol, in which case step S2102 can be omitted.

[0233] In some embodiments, the first network device obtains the second information from the upper layer(s), in which case step S2102 can be omitted.

[0234] In some embodiments, the first network device processes the information to obtain the second information, in which case step S2102 can be omitted.

[0235] In some embodiments, the first network device autonomously implements the function indicated by the second information, or the above function is a default or default value, in which case step S2102 can be omitted.

[0236] In some embodiments, the terminal determines that the switching conditions are met and sends second information to the first network device.

[0237] In some embodiments, the second information is used to request a switch of execution path.

[0238] In some embodiments, the path switching will only be performed after the terminal receives the corresponding response information after sending the second information to the first network device.

[0239] In some embodiments, if the terminal does not receive a corresponding response after sending the second information to the first network device, it can confirm that the request has not been agreed and may not perform a handover.

[0240] In step S2103, the first network device determines whether to perform a path switch.

[0241] In some embodiments, the first network device determines whether to perform a path switch based on at least one of the second information and availability information.

[0242] In some embodiments, after receiving the second information sent by the terminal, the first network device determines whether to perform a path switch.

[0243] In some embodiments, the availability information is used to indicate whether the second access network is available or unavailable.

[0244] In some embodiments, the first network device determines the availability information based on at least one of the location of the terminal and the ephemeris information of the second access network;

[0245] For example, if the current second access network cannot provide signal coverage to the location of the terminal or the coverage time is too short, the availability information indicates that the second access network is unavailable.

[0246] Step S2104: The first network device sends third information to the terminal.

[0247] In some embodiments, the terminal receives third information sent by the first network device.

[0248] In some embodiments, after sending second information to the first network device, the terminal receives third information sent by the first network device.

[0249] In some embodiments, the first network device determines the switching of the execution path and sends third information to the terminal.

[0250] In some embodiments, the third information is used to indicate the use of the second path to transmit service data.

[0251] In some embodiments, the third information includes path information of the second path.

[0252] In some embodiments, the third information may be request response information or switch response information.

[0253] In some embodiments, if the first network device determines that it will not perform a path switch, it may not send third information to the terminal.

[0254] In some embodiments, if the first network device determines that it will not perform a path switch, it may send a third message to the terminal. The third message is used to indicate that the path switch is rejected, that is, the terminal's request for a path switch is rejected.

[0255] Step S2105: Switching the terminal execution path.

[0256] In some embodiments, the terminal performs path switching based on the first information.

[0257] In some embodiments, during the transmission of business data, a path switch is performed based on the first information.

[0258] In some embodiments, a path switch is performed based on first information before the transmission of business data begins.

[0259] In some embodiments, switching the execution path can be a switch from one path to another.

[0260] In some embodiments, the user switches from the first path to the second path.

[0261] In some embodiments, the first access network is at least one of the following:

[0262] The network that the terminal connects to by default;

[0263] The network already in use by the terminal.

[0264] For example, the default network accessed by the terminal and / or the network already used by the terminal is GEO-RAN.

[0265] In some embodiments, if the terminal determines that the switching conditions are not met, it transmits service data based on the first path.

[0266] Step S2106: The terminal establishes or activates the first connection.

[0267] In some embodiments, the first connection is a connection between the terminal and the second access network.

[0268] In some embodiments, the first connection is used for data exchange between the terminal and the second access network.

[0269] In some embodiments, if the terminal determines that the first connection has not been established, the terminal establishes the first connection after switching execution paths.

[0270] In some embodiments, the terminal determines that a first connection has been established but the first connection has not been activated, and the terminal establishes the first connection after switching execution paths.

[0271] In some embodiments, the names of information, etc., are not limited to the names described in the embodiments. Terms such as "information", "message", "signal", "signaling", "report", "configuration", "indication", "instruction", "command", "channel", "parameter", "domain", "field", "symbol", "symbol", "codebook", "codeword", "codepoint", "bit", "data", "program", and "chip" can be used interchangeably.

[0272] In some embodiments, the terms “radio”, “wireless”, “radio access network (RAN)”, “access network (AN)”, and “RAN-based” can be used interchangeably.

[0273] In some embodiments, “get,” “obtain,” “receive,” “transmit,” “bidirectional transmission,” and “send and / or receive” can be used interchangeably and can be interpreted as receiving from other entities, obtaining from protocols, obtaining from higher layers, obtaining through self-processing, or autonomous implementation, among other meanings.

[0274] In some embodiments, terms such as “send,” “transmit,” “report,” “distribute,” “transfer,” “bidirectional transmission,” “send and / or receive” can be used interchangeably.

[0275] In some embodiments, terms such as “moment,” “point in time,” “time,” and “time location” can be used interchangeably, as can terms such as “duration,” “segment,” “time window,” “window,” and “time.”

[0276] In some embodiments, terms such as "certain", "preset", "default", "set", "indicated", "a certain", "any", and "first" can be used interchangeably. "Certain A", "preset A", "default A", "set A", "indicated A", "a certain A", "any A", and "first A" can be interpreted as A pre-defined in a protocol or the like, or as A obtained through setting, configuration, or instruction, or as specific A, a certain A, any A, or first A, but are not limited thereto.

[0277] The information processing method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S2101 to S2106. For example, step S2101 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; step S2102 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; step S2103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; step S2104 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; step S2105 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; step S2106 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; a combination of steps S2101 and S2105 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; a combination of steps S2101, S2102, S2103, S2104, S2105, and S2106 can be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0278] In some embodiments, steps S2102, S2103 and S2104 may be optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0279] In the embodiments disclosed herein, each embodiment can be implemented individually or in combination with each other, and the steps in each embodiment can be distinguished by their order.

[0280] Figure 3A is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3A, the present disclosure relates to an information processing method, which includes:

[0281] Step S3101: The first network device sends first information to at least one of the terminal and the second network device.

[0282] The optional implementations of step S3101 can be found in the optional implementations of step S2101 in Figure 2, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0283] Step S3102: Terminal path switching.

[0284] In some embodiments, the terminal performs path switching based on the first information.

[0285] The optional implementation of step S3102 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2105 in Figure 2, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0286] In some embodiments, the steps and their optional implementations in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, as well as other related parts in the specification, can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0287] An information processing method according to an embodiment of this disclosure includes:

[0288] Step S3201: The terminal performs a path switch based on the first information;

[0289] The first information is used to indicate switching conditions, and the switching conditions include at least one of the following:

[0290] The first condition is: a service data packet is detected;

[0291] The second condition is that at least one of the data transmission volume and the number of established session connections is greater than or equal to the corresponding threshold.

[0292] The third condition is: the Quality of Service (QoS) value of the currently used path is not within the first range;

[0293] The path is used to transmit service data, and the path is one of the following:

[0294] The first path is the path for transmitting data based on the first access network;

[0295] The second path is the path for transmitting data based on the second access network.

[0296] The optional implementation of step S3201 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2103 in Figure 2, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0297] In some embodiments, the first access network is a radio access network using geostationary orbit satellites (GEO-RAN); the second access network is a radio access network using non-geostationary orbit satellites (NGSO-RAN).

[0298] In some embodiments, the terminal performs a path switching based on the first information, including at least one of the following:

[0299] When the switching condition is met, the path is switched from the first path to the second path.

[0300] If the switching conditions are not met, service data is transmitted based on the first path.

[0301] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0302] The terminal receives the first information sent by the first network device.

[0303] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0304] Once the switching conditions are met, the terminal sends the second information to the first network device;

[0305] The second piece of information is used to request a switch of execution paths.

[0306] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0307] The terminal receives third information sent by the first network device;

[0308] The third information is used to indicate the use of the second path to transmit service data; the third information includes the path information of the second path.

[0309] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0310] The terminal establishes or activates the first connection;

[0311] The first connection is the connection between the terminal and the second access network.

[0312] In some embodiments, the first network device is one of the following: a function for access and mobility management; a function for session management; or a function for policy control.

[0313] In some embodiments, the steps and their optional implementations in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, as well as other related parts in the specification, can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0314] An information processing method according to an embodiment of this disclosure includes:

[0315] Step S3301: The first network device sends first information to at least one of the terminal and the second network device;

[0316] The first information is used to indicate switching conditions, and the switching conditions include at least one of the following:

[0317] The first condition is: a service data packet is detected;

[0318] The second condition is that at least one of the data transmission volume and the number of established session connections is greater than or equal to the corresponding threshold.

[0319] The third condition is: the Quality of Service (QoS) value of the currently used path is not within the first range;

[0320] The first information is used to enable the terminal to switch paths; the path is used to transmit service data, and the path is one of the following:

[0321] The first path is the path for transmitting data based on the first access network;

[0322] The second path is the path for transmitting data based on the second access network.

[0323] The optional implementation of step S3301 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2101 in Figure 2, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0324] In some embodiments, the first access network is a radio access network using geostationary orbit satellites (GEO-RAN); the second access network is a radio access network using non-geostationary orbit satellites (NGSO-RAN).

[0325] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0326] Receive second information sent by at least one of the terminal and the second network device;

[0327] The second piece of information is used to request a switch of execution paths.

[0328] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0329] Whether to perform a path switch is determined based on at least one of the second information and the availability information;

[0330] The availability information is used to indicate whether the second access network is available or unavailable.

[0331] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0332] The availability information is determined based on at least one of the location of the terminal and the ephemeris information of the second access network.

[0333] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0334] Send third information to at least one of the terminal and the second network device;

[0335] The third information is used to indicate the use of the second path to transmit service data, and the third information includes the path information of the second path.

[0336] In some embodiments, the second network device is one of the following: a session connection anchoring user plane function; or an intermediate user plane function.

[0337] In some embodiments, the first network device is one of the following: a function for access and mobility management; a function for session management; or a function for policy control.

[0338] In some embodiments, the steps and their optional implementations in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, as well as other related parts in the specification, can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0339] This disclosure relates to a communication method, which may include:

[0340] In some embodiments, the switching of the business data transmission path is performed when at least one of the following path switching conditions is met:

[0341] Service data packets detected; (corresponding to the first condition)

[0342] The handover threshold is reached, which indicates a data transmission threshold, a session connection threshold, or an access user count threshold; (corresponding to the second condition).

[0343] QoS parameter mismatch, whereby the QoS parameters include at least one of bandwidth, latency, and packet loss rate, and the QoS parameter mismatch means that the QoS parameters do not meet the QoS requirements of the service data (corresponding to the third condition).

[0344] In some embodiments, the switching of the data transmission path includes, during the transmission of service data, the terminal switching from using a first network (corresponding to a first access network) to using a second network (corresponding to a second access network) to transmit data, or deciding that the terminal will use the second network to transmit data before the service data transmission begins. The first network is the network that the terminal accesses and uses by default, and the second network is the network that determines the terminal will use to transmit data.

[0345] In some embodiments, the switching of the data transmission path includes a first control network element (corresponding to a first network device) sending a first rule (corresponding to first information) to the terminal and / or a first user plane network element, wherein the first rule contains the switching conditions.

[0346] In some embodiments, the first rule is used to instruct the terminal and / or the first user plane network element to use the first network when the handover condition is not met, and to use the second network when the handover condition is met.

[0347] In some embodiments, the switching of the data transmission path further includes the first control network element deciding to use the second network to transmit data, the decision being based on at least one condition:

[0348] The first indication (corresponding to the second information) is received from the terminal and / or the first user plane network element when the switching condition is met, and is used to indicate a request for data transmission path switching;

[0349] The availability of the second network, wherein the availability of the second network is determined based on the terminal location and / or the ephemeris information of the second network.

[0350] In some embodiments, before the first control network element decides to use the second network to transmit data, the method further includes: receiving the first instruction, wherein the first instruction is sent by the first user plane network element, or sent by the first user plane network element through the second control network element.

[0351] In some embodiments, the switching of the data transmission path further includes the first control network element sending data transmission path information to the terminal and / or the first user plane network element, wherein the data transmission path information is used to indicate the use of the second network to transmit data.

[0352] In some embodiments, the method further includes establishing or activating a connection between the UE and the second network.

[0353] In some embodiments, the first control network element is an AMF, SMF, or PCF; the first user plane network element includes a PSA-UPF or an I-UPF.

[0354] In some embodiments, the first network is a GEO access network, and the second network is a LEO access network or a MEO access network.

[0355] Example 1

[0356] As shown in Figure 4A, this embodiment describes a UE accessing the network via GEO and detecting that the Packet Data Unit (PDU) session established using the GEO access network does not meet the transmission requirements of the service data stream. The UE is then instructed to switch to another access method to ensure the data stream can be transmitted. In Figure 4A, GEO-RAN is the access network function integrated on the GEO satellite, and LEO-RAN is the access network function integrated on the LEO satellite; GEO-RAN and LEO-RAN are different access networks. AMF is the network function responsible for user access management, SMF is the network function responsible for user session connection management, PCF is the policy management function, I-UPF(G) is the intermediate user plane function selected by the UE using GEO-RAN access, I-UPF(L) is the intermediate user plane function selected by the UE using LEO-RAN access, UPF(PSA) is the anchored user plane function, and UDM is the unified data management function. The network elements mentioned only represent the network functions performed and can be applied to 5G or 6G networks. In Figure 4A, the first control network element corresponds to AMF, SMF, or PCF; the second network element corresponds to UPF (PSA); the first access network corresponds to GEO-RAN, and the second access network corresponds to LEO-RAN.

[0357] As shown in Figure 4A, an information processing method is provided, including the following steps:

[0358] Step S4101: Complete network registration based on GEO.

[0359] In some embodiments, the UE selects the GEO access network and completes registration through GEO access.

[0360] Step S4102: Establish a PDU session based on GEO.

[0361] In some embodiments, the UE establishes a first Packet Data Unit (PDU) session via GEO access.

[0362] In some embodiments, during the session establishment process, the AMF provides a first rule to the UE and the UPF (PSA).

[0363] In some embodiments, the first rule includes at least one of the following:

[0364] A new service data stream was detected, and an instruction was given to use LEO access for transmission of the service data stream;

[0365] Network switching threshold: When the cumulative transmission rate on GEO access reaches the threshold, LEO access will be used for transmission of new data streams.

[0366] QoS parameters, including bandwidth and / or latency and / or packet loss rate, such as configuring latency and corresponding GEO or LEO access. When the latency requirement of the service data stream matches the first rule, the corresponding access is used for transmission.

[0367] Step S4103: Save the first rule.

[0368] In some embodiments, the corresponding first rules are stored on the UE and UPF (PSA), respectively.

[0369] Step S4104: Send service data.

[0370] In some embodiments, the UE decides to initiate a new service and sends the uplink data stream corresponding to the service.

[0371] Step S4105: Complete LEO registration.

[0372] In some embodiments, when the first rule matches the data flow of the service that requires LEO access, if the UE has not yet registered for LEO access, the registration process is initiated.

[0373] Step S4106: Establish a PDU session based on LEO.

[0374] In some embodiments, the UE uses the LEO access to establish a second PDU session.

[0375] Step S4107: Transmit service data via LEO.

[0376] In some embodiments, according to the first rule, the service data stream uses a second PDU session, i.e., it is transmitted using LEO access.

[0377] In some embodiments, when the data stream transmission ends and the second PDU session has no data transmission within a specified time, the second PDU session can be deactivated, or a process of registering from LEO access can be initiated to reuse GEO access.

[0378] As shown in Figure 4B, an information processing method is provided, including the following steps:

[0379] Step S4201: Complete network registration based on GEO.

[0380] In some embodiments, the UE selects the GEO access network and completes registration through GEO access.

[0381] Step S4202: Establish a PDU session based on GEO.

[0382] In some embodiments, the UE establishes a first Packet Data Unit (PDU) session via GEO access.

[0383] In some embodiments, during the session establishment process, the SMF issues a first rule to the UPF (PSA).

[0384] In some embodiments, the first rule includes at least one of the following:

[0385] A new business data flow has been detected, indicating that the detection result should be reported when a business data flow is detected.

[0386] Network handover thresholds, such as configuring a data transmission threshold or session connection threshold on the UPF (PSA) or an access user count threshold on the AMF or SMF; the detection result is required to be reported when the threshold is met;

[0387] QoS parameter mismatch, where the QoS parameters include bandwidth and / or latency and / or packet loss rate, means that the QoS parameters do not meet the QoS requirements of the service data, and the detection result is reported.

[0388] Step S4203: Save the first rule.

[0389] In some embodiments, the corresponding first rule is stored on the UPF (PSA).

[0390] Step S4204: Receive data stream.

[0391] In some embodiments, the UPF(PSA) receives downlink service data streams.

[0392] Step S4205: Detect downlink data.

[0393] In some embodiments, the service data stream is detected by the first rule, that is, the service data stream is a new service data stream, or the service data stream has reached the switching threshold, or the QoS of the service data stream does not match the QoS in the first rule.

[0394] Step S4206: Send the first instruction.

[0395] In some embodiments, the UPF (PSA) sends a first indication to the PCF via the SMF, the first indication being used to indicate the detection event described in step S4205.

[0396] Step S4207: Determine the data matching rules.

[0397] In some embodiments, the PCF formulates data matching rules for the business data stream and sends them to the UPF (PSA) through the SMF.

[0398] Step S4208: Save the data matching rules.

[0399] In some embodiments, the UPF (PSA) stores the data matching rules.

[0400] Step S4209: Activate the PDU session based on LEO.

[0401] In some embodiments, the UPF (PSA) initiates the activation of a second PDU session according to the data matching rules. The second PDU session is established via LEO access but is in an inactive state when no data is being transmitted.

[0402] Step S4210: Send the data stream.

[0403] In some embodiments, according to the data matching rules, the UPF (PSA) sends the service data stream to the UE through a second PDU session.

[0404] In some embodiments, when the data stream transmission ends and the second PDU session has no data transmission within a specified time, the second PDU session can be deactivated, or a process of registering from LEO access can be initiated to reuse GEO access.

[0405] In this embodiment of the disclosure, some or all of the steps and their optional implementations can be arbitrarily combined with some or all of the steps in other embodiments, or arbitrarily combined with the optional implementations in other embodiments.

[0406] This disclosure also proposes an apparatus (also referred to as a communication device, etc.) for implementing any of the above methods. For example, an apparatus is proposed, which includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by the terminal in any of the above methods. Another apparatus is also proposed, including units or modules for implementing the steps performed by a network device (e.g., an access network device, a core network functional node, a core network device, etc.) in any of the above methods. Here, the core network device may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: a first network element and a second network element, etc.

[0407] It should be understood that the division of units or modules in the above device is only a logical functional division. In actual implementation, they can be fully or partially integrated into a single physical entity, or they can be physically separated. Furthermore, the units or modules in the device can be implemented by a processor calling software: for example, the device includes a processor connected to a memory containing instructions. The processor calls the instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the above methods or to implement the functions of the units or modules in the above device. The processor can be, for example, a general-purpose processor, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory can be internal or external to the device. Alternatively, the units or modules in the device can be implemented in the form of hardware circuits. The functionality of some or all of the units or modules can be achieved through the design of these hardware circuits, which can be understood as one or more processors. For example, in one implementation, the hardware circuit is an Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), and the functionality of some or all of the units or modules is achieved through the design of the logical relationships between the components within the circuit. In another implementation, the hardware circuit can be implemented using a Programmable Logic Device (PLD), such as a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), which can include a large number of logic gates. The connection relationships between the logic gates are configured through configuration files, thereby achieving the functionality of some or all of the units or modules. All units or modules of the above device can be implemented entirely through processor-called software, entirely through hardware circuits, or partially through processor-called software with the remaining parts implemented through hardware circuits.

[0408] In this embodiment, the processor is a circuit with signal processing capabilities. In one implementation, the processor can be a circuit with instruction read and execute capabilities, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can be understood as a microprocessor), or a Digital Signal Processor (DSP). In another implementation, the processor can implement certain functions through the logical relationships of hardware circuits. The logical relationships of the aforementioned hardware circuits are fixed or reconfigurable. For example, the processor is a hardware circuit implemented using an Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic device (PLD), such as an FPGA. In a reconfigurable hardware circuit, the process of the processor loading a configuration document and configuring the hardware circuit can be understood as the process of the processor loading instructions to implement the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. In addition, it can also be hardware circuits designed for artificial intelligence, which can be understood as ASICs, such as Neural Network Processing Unit (NPU), Tensor Processing Unit (TPU), Deep Learning Processing Unit (DPU), etc.

[0409] Figure 5A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal 5100 provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 5A, the terminal 5100 includes a first transceiver module 5101. In some embodiments, the first transceiver module 5101 is used to receive first information and / or send third information, etc. Optionally, the first transceiver module 5101 is used to perform at least one of the sending and / or receiving steps performed by the terminal 5100 in any of the above methods (details will not be repeated here). In some embodiments, the terminal 5100 may include a first processing module.

[0410] Figure 5B is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first network device 5200 provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 5B, the first network device 5200 includes a second transceiver module 5201. Optionally, the second transceiver module 5201 is used to perform at least one of the sending and / or receiving steps performed by the first network device 5200 in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here. In some embodiments, the first network device 5200 may include a second processing module.

[0411] In some embodiments, the transceiver module may include a transmitting module and / or a receiving module, which may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the transceiver module may be interchangeable with a transceiver. For example, the first transceiver module described above includes a first transmitting module and / or a first receiving module. For example, the second transceiver module described above includes a second transmitting module and / or a second receiving module.

[0412] In some embodiments, the processing module may be a single module or may include multiple sub-modules. Optionally, the multiple sub-modules may each perform all or part of the steps required by the processing module. Optionally, the processing module may be interchangeable with a processor.

[0413] Figure 6A is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device 6100 proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. The communication device 6100 can be a network device (e.g., access network device, core network device, etc.), a terminal, a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the network device in implementing any of the above methods, or a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the terminal in implementing any of the above methods. The communication device 6100 can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments; for details, please refer to the descriptions in the above method embodiments.

[0414] As shown in Figure 6A, the communication device 6100 includes one or more processors 6101. The processor 6101 can be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, such as a baseband processor or a central processing unit (CPU). The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the CPU can be used to control communication devices (e.g., base stations, baseband chips, terminal devices, terminal device chips, DUs or CUs, etc.), execute programs, and process program data. Optionally, the communication device 6100 can be used to execute any of the above methods. Optionally, one or more processors 6101 can be used to invoke instructions to cause the communication device 6100 to execute any of the above methods.

[0415] In some embodiments, the communication device 6100 further includes one or more transceivers 6102. When the communication device 6100 includes one or more transceivers 6102, the transceivers 6102 perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method (e.g., steps S2101 and / or steps S2102 and / or steps S2103 and / or steps S2105, etc., but not limited thereto), and the processor 6101 performs at least one of other steps (e.g., steps S2104 and / or steps S2106, etc., but not limited thereto). In optional embodiments, the transceiver may include a receiver and / or a transmitter, which may be separate or integrated together. Optionally, the terms transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, interface circuit, interface, etc., can be used interchangeably; the terms transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, transmitting circuit, etc., can be used interchangeably; and the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, receiving circuit, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0416] In some embodiments, the communication device 6100 further includes one or more memories 6103 for storing data. Optionally, all or part of the memories 6103 may be located outside the communication device 6100. In optional embodiments, the communication device 6100 may include one or more interface circuits 6104. Optionally, the interface circuits 6104 are connected to the memories 6103 and can be used to receive data from the memories 6103 or other devices, and to send data to the memories 6103 or other devices. For example, the interface circuits 6104 can read data stored in the memories 6103 and send that data to the processor 6101.

[0417] The communication device 6100 described in the above embodiments may be a network device or a terminal, but the scope of the communication device 6100 described in this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 6100 may not be limited by FIG. 6A. The communication device may be a standalone device or a part of a larger device. For example, the communication device may be: (1) a standalone integrated circuit IC, or chip, or chip system or subsystem; (2) a collection of one or more ICs, optionally, the IC collection may also include storage components for storing data and programs; (3) an ASIC, such as a modem; (4) a module that can be embedded in other devices; (5) a receiver, terminal device, smart terminal device, cellular phone, wireless device, handheld device, mobile unit, vehicle device, network device, cloud device, artificial intelligence device, etc.; (6) others, etc.

[0418] Figure 6B is a schematic diagram of the structure of chip 6200 according to an embodiment of this disclosure. For cases where the communication device 6100 can be a chip or a chip system, please refer to the schematic diagram of chip 6200 shown in Figure 6B, but it is not limited thereto.

[0419] Chip 6200 includes one or more processors 6201. Chip 6200 is used to perform any of the methods described above.

[0420] In some embodiments, chip 6200 further includes one or more interface circuits 6202. Optionally, terms such as interface circuit, interface, and transceiver pin can be used interchangeably. In some embodiments, chip 6200 further includes one or more memories 6203 for storing data. Optionally, all or part of the memories 6203 may be located outside chip 6200. Optionally, interface circuit 6202 is connected to memory 6203, and interface circuit 6202 can be used to receive data from memory 6203 or other devices, and interface circuit 6202 can be used to send data to memory 6203 or other devices. For example, interface circuit 6202 can read data stored in memory 6203 and send the data to processor 6201.

[0421] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 6202 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above-described method (e.g., steps S2101 and / or S2102 and / or S2103 and / or S2105, but not limited thereto). The interface circuit 6202 performing the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above-described method refers, for example, to the interface circuit 6202 performing data interaction between the processor 6201, the chip 6200, the memory 6203, or the transceiver device. In some embodiments, the processor 6201 performs at least one of other steps (e.g., steps S2104 and / or S2106, but not limited thereto).

[0422] The modules and / or devices described in the various embodiments, such as virtual devices, physical devices, and chips, can be combined or separated arbitrarily as needed. Optionally, some or all steps can also be performed collaboratively by multiple modules and / or devices, which is not limited here.

[0423] This disclosure also proposes a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on the communication device 6100, cause the communication device 6100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the storage medium is an electronic storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium is a computer-readable storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a storage medium readable by other devices. Optionally, the storage medium may be a non-transitory storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a temporary storage medium.

[0424] This disclosure also proposes a program product, including a program and / or instructions, which, when executed by a communication device, cause the communication device to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product. Optionally, the program product is stored on the storage medium.

[0425] This disclosure also proposes a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the above methods.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is executed by a terminal, and the method includes: Based on the initial information, the execution path is switched; The first information is used to indicate switching conditions, and the switching conditions include at least one of the following: The first condition is: a service data packet is detected; The second condition is that at least one of the data transmission volume and the number of established session connections is greater than or equal to the corresponding threshold. The third condition is: the Quality of Service (QoS) value of the currently used path is not within the first range; The path is used to transmit service data, and the path is one of the following: The first path is the path for transmitting data based on the first access network; The second path is the path for transmitting data based on the second access network.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first access network is a radio access network using geostationary orbit satellites (GEO-RAN); the second access network is a radio access network using non-geostationary orbit satellites (NGSO-RAN).

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The switching of execution paths based on the first information includes at least one of the following: When the switching condition is met, the path is switched from the first path to the second path. If the switching conditions are not met, service data is transmitted based on the first path.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive the first information sent by the first network device.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The method further includes: Once the switching conditions are met, send the second information to the first network device; The second piece of information is used to request a switch of execution paths.

6. The method according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive third information sent by the first network device; The third information is used to indicate the use of the second path to transmit service data; the third information includes the path information of the second path.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The method further includes: Establish or activate the first connection; The first connection is the connection between the terminal and the second access network.

8. The method according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The first network device is one of the following: a function for access and mobility management; a function for session management; or a function for policy control.

9. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is performed by a first network device, and the method includes: Send the first information to at least one of the terminal and the second network device; The first information is used to indicate switching conditions, and the switching conditions include at least one of the following: The first condition is: a service data packet is detected; The second condition is that at least one of the data transmission volume and the number of established session connections is greater than or equal to the corresponding threshold. The third condition is: the Quality of Service (QoS) value of the currently used path is not within the first range; The first information is used to enable the terminal to switch paths; the path is used to transmit service data, and the path is one of the following: The first path is the path for transmitting data based on the first access network; The second path is the path for transmitting data based on the second access network.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first access network is a radio access network using geostationary orbit satellites (GEO-RAN); the second access network is a radio access network using non-geostationary orbit satellites (NGSO-RAN).

11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive second information sent by at least one of the terminal and the second network device; The second piece of information is used to request a switch of execution paths.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The method further includes: Whether to perform a path switch is determined based on at least one of the second information and the availability information; The availability information is used to indicate whether the second access network is available or unavailable.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The method further includes: The availability information is determined based on at least one of the location of the terminal and the ephemeris information of the second access network.

14. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send third information to at least one of the terminal and the second network device; The third information is used to indicate the use of the second path to transmit service data, and the third information includes the path information of the second path.

15. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 14, characterized in that, The second network device is one of the following: session connection anchoring user plane function; intermediate user plane function.

16. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 15, characterized in that, The first network device is one of the following: a function for access and mobility management; a function for session management; or a function for policy control.

17. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: The first network device sends first information to at least one of the terminal and the second network device; The first information is used to indicate switching conditions, and the switching conditions include at least one of the following: The first condition is: a service data packet is detected; The second condition is that at least one of the data transmission volume and the number of established session connections is greater than or equal to the corresponding threshold. The third condition is: the Quality of Service (QoS) value of the currently used path is not within the first range; The first information is used to enable the terminal to switch paths; the path is used to transmit service data, and the path is one of the following: The first path is the path for transmitting data based on the first access network; The second path is the path for transmitting data based on the second access network.

18. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device is used to perform the communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 8 or claims 9 to 16.

19. A communication system, characterized in that, include: A terminal and a first network device; wherein the terminal is configured to implement the information processing method of any one of claims 1 to 8, and the first network device is configured to implement the communication method of any one of claims 9 to 16.

20. A storage medium storing instructions, characterized in that, When the instructions are executed on the communication device, the communication device performs the communication method as described in any one of claims 1 to 8 or claims 9 to 16.

21. A computer program product, said computer program product comprising a computer program or instructions, characterized in that, When the computer program or instructions are executed by a processor, they implement the communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 8 or claims 9 to 16.

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